CV

Norwalk CT 06106 • 301.992.0416 • elizabethnsimmons@gmail.com 

Leadership Experience
PRESENTLY 

Arts Integration Coach for Norwalk Public Schools/Nathan Hale Middle School 

2017-2021 

Director of Education, Playhouse on Park 

  • Develop and plan education programming and curriculum for an award winning regional theatre. Manage programs including year round youth classes in acting, improvisation, and musical theatre, as well as in-school school partnerships, theatre for young audiences field trips, and workshops with the Miracle League of CT. Recruit and manage teaching artists and interns. Collaborate with artistic and executive leadership on budgeting, marketing, and program goals. Lead and take part in special events including community celebrations, workshop share days, and performance talk-backs.

Teaching Experience 
2017-current 

Professional Development Facilitator, Hartford Performs 

  • Design and lead sessions in theatre techniques for literacy with Hartford Public Schools Literacy coaches. Visit elementary schools to act as a creative coach for kindergarten teachers, teaching Storytelling with Tableau and creating rubrics for successful use of Tableau in teaching common core standards key details, sequencing, and conjecture. 

Theater Artist Instructor, Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts 

  • Design and teach curriculum for conservatory based theatre classes Grades 9-12, including Vocal Production, Acting, Directing, Textual Analysis, and Movement. Take part in special events including Share Days, Fall and Spring Showcases by developing performance ready projects. 

2013-Current 

Teaching Artist, Brooklyn Academy of Music 

  • Design and activate lesson plans for BAM’s Young Shakespeare, Pre Show Workshops, and Summer Workshop, (Creative Drama: Greek Myths). Participate in Professional Developments and Curriculum Planning Meetings. Structure lesson plans around the specific performance, research the artistry used and background, adapt plans for a variety of age groups 6-16. 

2015-2017 

Subject Expert Performing Arts Teacher, BASIS Independent School Brooklyn 

  • Implement and expand on drama curriculum for grades K-8, teach classes daily incorporating improvisation, devised theatre, voice techniques, physical theatre, creative drama, and ensemble activities. Collaborate with performing arts faculty on play and musical, write scripts for assemblies, co-teach arts integration classes. 

2013-2017 

Teaching Artist/Professional Development Leader, Center for Arts Education 

  • Arts Engage Initiative 2014-15: Follow an Arts plus Arts Integration model, collaborate with middle school social studies and arts teachers to design and implement curriculum for 6th to 8th Graders. Participate in research efforts as part of a federal grant. 

  • ALL (Arts and Language Learning 2013-14: Design lesson plans and activate workshops for Grade 1 at PS 110K. Program includes research components as well as a final performance. Students use ensemble building, acting skills, writing, and role-playing to support literacy skills. Lead PDs for classroom teachers on arts integration techniques. 

Education 

M.S in Educational Theatre 
City College of New York GPA 4.0 *Frances Blumenthal Award Winner for Excellence in Research 
(Adjunct Faculty Substitute upon graduating, Social Studies and Arts Integration) 

Point Park University/Pittsburgh Playhouse 
BA in Theatre, Concentration in Acting (BFA Alternate Study in London/RADA) 

Professional Development at Lincoln Center Education, CCNY Teaching Artist Training 

Artistic Accomplishments 

“The Elephant Vanishes”
Writer/Actor/Shadow Puppet Creator 

  • As part of a student group at CCNY, developed a play adaptation of the acclaimed short story by Haruki Murakami for Young Audiences. 

  • Served as co-writer for the script, and contributed original characters and dialogue.

  • Created shadow puppets for rehearsal and performance, designing the screen and overall concept for the puppetry moments in the show. 

“Swimming in Honey” 
Writer/Actor 

  • Served as primary writer, creator and solo performer in the world premiere at inaugural DC Fringe Festival. 

  • Worked one on one with Venus Theatre in committing to setting flight to the voices of women and children. 

  • Through monologue creation, assisted in developing plays and education opportunities for youth. 

“Family Jewels” - AFI Institute Film 
Actor 
Directed by Martin Stitt - SUNDANCE nominated 

  • Performed with award-winning cast of actors in portraying the brutal truths and reality of a women returning to Iraq and leaving her young family behind. 

  • Venice Film Festival, Directors Guild of America Nominee, Cambridge Film Festival featured short film. 

“Arts Intensive Scholarship Recipient” 
Actor 
American Institute for Foreign Study, Diorama Theatre, UK, 

  • Received scholarship for study abroad at the renowned Diorama Theatre in the United Kingdom.

  • Focused on classical theatre, Shakespeare, Greek tragedies and multiple forms of performance arts. 

Skills 

  • Acting, Singing 8+ Years Experience in Professional New York and Regional Theatres

  • Ensemble based work 

  • Public Speaking

*Member of the NYC Arts in Education Roundtable Teaching Artist Affairs Committee And Planning Committee for the 2017 Theatre in Our Schools NYC Conference